Glamping: The Ultimate Family Adventure

If you’re ready for a camping experience that blends the beauty of the great outdoors with the luxuries of home, glamping is your answer. Picture yourself nestled in a cozy bed under the stars, with all the amenities of a boutique hotel at your fingertips. That’s the essence of glamping! In this post, we’ll explore what glamping is, answer all of your questions, share essential tips for a perfect glamping getaway, and some top British Columbia destinations for family-friendly glamping adventures.

What is Glamping?

Glamping, or “glamorous camping,” offers the thrill of traditional camping with the comforts of home. Instead of setting up a tent and sleeping on the ground, glampers can stay in beautifully designed accommodations like yurts, safari tents, treehouses, and even luxury domes, outfitted with plush beds, electricity, and often private bathrooms.

Why Glamping is Perfect for Families

Glamping provides families with a unique way to enjoy nature without sacrificing comfort. Here’s why glamping is an excellent choice for family travel:

1. Comfortable and Cozy: Parents can relax knowing their kids are safe and snug while everyone enjoys the beauty of nature.
2. Easy Setup: Unlike traditional camping, glamping requires little to no setup. Many glamping accommodations are ready-to-enjoy, complete with modern conveniences.
3. Memorable Experiences: From sleeping in a dome under the Northern Lights to staying in a luxury cabin by the lake, glamping offers unique experiences that create lasting memories.
4. Accessibility: Glamping sites are often designed with families in mind, offering easy access to facilities and amenities.

Who Loves Glamping?

Glamping appeals to a wide range of travelers, each seeking to enjoy the great outdoors without compromising on comfort. Here are some groups who particularly love glamping:

1. Families

• Why They Love It: Families appreciate the blend of nature and convenience. Glamping sites often provide child-friendly amenities and activities, making it easier to entertain kids while enjoying a relaxing stay.
• Best For: Families with children of all ages or multigenerational groups looking for an adventure that caters to everyone’s needs. Glamping is relatively new to our family and something we have done a few times over the last five years while our kids were between 9-15 years old. As our kids get older they are more interested in unique travel experiences and the idea of staying in a treehouse or dome is pretty appealing. In researching glamping options, some of these types of unique travel experiences are limited to adults only, but keep looking as there are lots of great options that the entire family can enjoy.

2. Couples

• Why They Love It: Glamping offers a romantic escape with beautiful settings and luxurious accommodations. It’s perfect for couples seeking a cozy, intimate retreat away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
• Best For: Couples celebrating special occasions, honeymoons, or simply wanting a unique getaway.

3. Nature Enthusiasts

• Why They Love It: Glamping allows nature lovers to immerse themselves in stunning landscapes while still enjoying the comforts of home. It’s ideal for those who want to explore without roughing it.
• Best For: Outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking, wildlife watching, or stargazing but prefer a more comfortable lodging option.

4. Luxury Seekers

• Why They Love It: Glamping provides the ultimate blend of adventure and luxury. With amenities like plush bedding, gourmet meals, and even spa services, it caters to those who enjoy the finer things in life.
• Best For: Travelers who want a high-end experience in a natural setting, combining the best of both worlds.

5. First-Time Campers

• Why They Love It: For those new to camping, glamping offers an introduction to the great outdoors without the hassle of setting up a tent or cooking over a fire. It’s a gentle step into camping life.
• Best For: Novices who want to experience camping in a comfortable and controlled environment.

Is Glamping Expensive?

The cost of glamping can vary widely based on the location, type of accommodation, and the amenities offered. Here’s a breakdown to help you understand the potential costs involved:

1. Budget-Friendly Options

• What You Get: Basic glamping accommodations might include simple tents or pods with essential comforts like a bed and minimal furnishings. Facilities might be shared.
• Cost Range: Typically, these options range from $50 to $150 per night, making them comparable to budget hotels or traditional camping costs with added comfort.

2. Mid-Range Glamping

• What You Get: Mid-range glamping usually includes more spacious and well-equipped accommodations such as yurts, cabins, or well-furnished tents with private amenities.
• Cost Range: Expect to pay between $150 and $300 per night. This price range often includes additional features like private bathrooms, heating, and small kitchen areas (sometime with breakfast).

3. Luxury Glamping

• What You Get: High-end glamping sites offer luxurious accommodations with high-quality furnishings, full bathrooms, and sometimes extra services like personal chefs or guided tours.
• Cost Range: Prices can start from $300 per night and go up to $1500 or more, depending on the level of luxury and exclusivity offered.

Factors Affecting Cost

• Location: Remote or highly sought-after destinations tend to be more expensive.
• Season: Prices can increase during peak travel seasons or holidays.
• Amenities: The more amenities and services offered, the higher the cost.

Is It Worth It?

We think so and it doesn’t have to cost a lot to be amazing. You can absolutely DIY your glamping experience in your backyard and bring the comforts of your home into a camp environment. Alternatively you can find lots of mid-range options that are less than a night at a hotel or splurge on something fancy for a night or too. Many find that the convenience, comfort, and unique experience of glamping is well worth the cost, especially for special occasions or family trips.

What is the Difference Between Glamping and Camping?

While both glamping and camping allow you to enjoy the great outdoors, they offer very different experiences. Here’s how they compare:

Traditional Camping

• Setup: Requires bringing and setting up your own gear, including tents, sleeping bags, and cooking equipment.
• Accommodations: Typically, you sleep in a tent or camper with basic facilities, if any.
• Amenities: Often, there are minimal amenities, and you might be reliant on shared or natural facilities.
• Experience: It’s a more rugged, hands-on experience that immerses you in nature. Ideal for those who enjoy the challenge and simplicity of living outdoors.
• Cost: Generally lower cost, mainly paying for the campsite and any personal gear you need to bring.

Glamping

• Setup: Accommodations are usually set up for you and come fully furnished with comfortable beds, electricity, and sometimes even plumbing.
• Accommodations: Ranges from luxury tents and yurts to treehouses and domes, all designed to provide comfort and convenience.
• Amenities: Includes high-end amenities like heating, gourmet meals, and private bathrooms. Often, there are also activities and services provided on-site.
• Experience: It’s a blend of outdoor adventure and indoor luxury, perfect for those who want to enjoy nature with the comforts of modern living.
• Cost: Can be higher than traditional camping due to the added comforts and services provided.

Which One is Right for You?

• Choose Camping: If you enjoy DIY adventures, don’t mind minimal amenities, and are looking for a cost-effective way to experience nature.
• Choose Glamping: If you prefer a hassle-free, comfortable experience with the opportunity to enjoy luxury accommodations in beautiful settings.

Better yet give both a try. While our family loves to camp in all it’s many forms, from backpacking to car and RV camping, we also love glamping. We have added glamping on to a part of our holiday or made it the whole trip. For more on the different types of camping, read the post: Life is Better By the Campfire.

Glamping Essentials

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable glamping experience, here are some essentials to consider packing and preparing for:

1. Comfortable Clothing

• Pack layers to adapt to varying weather conditions. Think comfortable hiking attire, cozy sweaters, and sleepwear.
• Don’t forget durable footwear for exploring the great outdoors.

2. Personal Care Items

• While glamping accommodations often include many amenities, bringing your own toiletries is a good idea. Opt for eco-friendly options where possible.
• Include sunscreen, insect repellent, and hand sanitizer in your packing list.

3. Food and Snacks

• Depending on the amenities at your glamping site, you might have access to an outdoor kitchen or BBQ grill. Plan simple, delicious meals or bring ready-made options.
• Stock up on snacks and drinks for those impromptu cravings or early morning starts.

4. Entertainment and Activities

• Bring books, board games, and outdoor toys to keep the kids entertained.
• Capture memories with a camera or smartphone. See more about documenting your adventure in this post.

5. Safety and Convenience Items

• Pack a first aid kit, flashlights, and a portable phone charger.
• A small cooler or insulated bag is useful for keeping perishable items fresh.
• Don’t forget a pair of binoculars and a headlamp or flashlight.

6. Glamping-Specific Gear

• Check if your glamping site provides bedding and linens. They are all quite different so be sure you know what is included.

Glamping Destinations in British Columbia for Families

With your bags packed and essentials in tow, let’s explore some of the best glamping destinations in British Columbia. These spots are perfect for family adventures, offering a blend of nature and comfort. GlampingHub and Hipcamp are great resources to help you find your next glamping getaway.

1. Cloud 9 Glamping (Shirley, British Columbia)

Cloud 9 Glamping, located on the stunning southern coast of Vancouver Island, provides a serene and luxurious glamping experience in the heart of the forest.

• Accommodation: Well-appointed wooden glamping cabins, each featuring cozy beds, environmentally-friendly amenities, and private decks to enjoy the nature all around.
• Family Perks: The location offers easy access to nearby beaches, hiking trails, and the charming towns of Shirley and Sooke, perfect for family explorations. Read more about the Top 12 Experiences with your Family in this area. Make sure to stop and eat at one of our favourite places on the island –Shirley Delicious and check out a few other spots to eat from Sooke to Shirley.
• Why We Love It: The combination of coastal beauty and upscale comfort makes Cloud 9 Glamping a fantastic choice for families seeking a tranquil yet adventurous getaway. There are a tonne of extras at this spot. We booked both cabins for a multi-generational getaway for a group of six and enjoyed all the extras, smores over the fire, the outdoor kitchen and tables, the hot tub and infrared sauna. Breakfast was even included and brought to us on our deck in the morning. If you are looking to plan a trip to the Sooke area, check out our blog posts.

2. Wya Point Resort (Ucluelet, British Columbia)

Nestled on the rugged coastline of Vancouver Island, Wya Point Resort offers stunning oceanfront glamping options.

• Accommodation: Luxury yurts equipped with cozy beds, wood stoves, and private decks overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The site also offers more traditional camping.
• Family Perks: Families can explore nearby Pacific Rim National Park, enjoy surfing lessons, or relax on the private beach.
• Why We Love It: The combination of ocean views, rainforest surroundings, and amenities makes it a magical destination for family glamping. We camped at Wya a couple of summers ago and had an amazing experience. The location and beach are fantastic. As beach access is limited to those staying on the property, it was much quieter than Tofino and we enjoyed amazing sunsets each night.

3. Clayoquot Wilderness Resort (Vancouver Island, British Columbia)

Clayoquot Wilderness Resort offers an unparalleled high-end glamping experience in the heart of the Canadian wilderness, on Vancouver Island.

• Accommodation: Luxurious safari-style tents with antique furnishings, en-suite bathrooms, and private decks.
• Family Perks: Families can enjoy activities like whale watching, horseback riding, and guided nature hikes.
• Why We Love It: The resort’s location in a pristine, remote area provides an intimate connection with nature, combined with five-star amenities. This one is certainly on our bucket list to visit in the future.

4. Ocean’s Edge Eagle Retreat (Tsawwassen, British Columbia)

Oceans Edge Eagle Retreat offers a unique glamping experience with beach access nearby and wildlife all around. Be sure to check out the Eagle’s nest on your visit. This is a new glamping spot and one we hope to try later this summer, so stay tuned.

• Accommodation: Luxury tents with stunning nature views, furnished with comfortable beds.
• Family Perks: Opportunities for exploring nearby beaches, nature trails, and learning about the local ecosystem. It’s also close to lots of family activities, like Big Splash Waterpark.
• Why We Love It: The retreat’s focus on eco-friendly practices and its spectacular setting provide a harmonious blend of luxury and nature, perfect for a rejuvenating family escape or a night or two on your way to Vancouver of the Gulf Islands. Tent camping is also available on-site.

5. Haida Gwaii Glamping Co. (Tlell, British Columbia)

Haida Gwaii Glamping offers a spectacular glamping experience located on the beach in the heart of the wilderness. I visited this spot on a yoga retreat with a friend and it certainly got me hooked on glamping.

• Accommodation: Luxury tents with stunning nature and ocean views, furnished with comfortable beds and all the amenities of a boutique hotel.
• Family Perks: The beach is one of the best spots to go rock hunting, take in the stars or relax around the campfire.
• Why We Love It: So much thought has gone into every part of this place. From their stylish tents, to the common cooking and gathering spaces, they have thought of everything.

6. Free Spirit Spheres (Qualicum Beach, British Columbia)

While only for adults, I wanted to include this unique option to our list of glamping spots. Check out Free Spirit Spheres and hang out in the trees.

Exploring Different Styles of Glamping

Glamping comes in various forms, each offering a unique way to enjoy nature. Here are some styles to consider for your next family adventure:

1. Safari Tents

• Spacious and often luxurious, safari tents come equipped with comfortable beds, seating areas, and sometimes en-suite bathrooms.
• Perfect for families who want a classic camping feel with added luxury.

2. Yurts

• Circular tents with sturdy frames and often furnished with cozy beds, heating, and even kitchen facilities.
• Ideal for families seeking a comfortable, year-round glamping option.

3. Treehouses

• Elevated structures that offer a whimsical and adventurous stay, often nestled in forested areas.
• Great for families looking for a unique and fun lodging experience.

4. Domes

• Geodesic domes provide a spacious and modern camping experience with large windows or skylights for stargazing.
• Suitable for families wanting a contemporary, open-concept stay.

5. Luxury RVs

• Fully equipped recreational vehicles that offer the freedom to explore multiple destinations with all the comforts of home.
• Ideal for road-tripping families who enjoy flexibility and adventure.

6. Cabins and Pods

• Small, cozy wooden structures that provide a rustic, cabin-like experience.
• Perfect for families who prefer a more traditional, homey feel with modern amenities.

Conclusion

Glamping offers a wonderful way to experience the outdoors with all the comfort and luxury of a high-end retreat. Whether you’re exploring the majestic landscapes of British Columbia, or somewhere else, glamping provides a unique and memorable adventure for families. Ready to embark on your next glamping adventure? With so many incredible options to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect spot for your family.

Happy glamping!